Michigan Tax Refund Delays Leave Thousands in Pending Review Limbo

Thousands of Michigan taxpayers, including many in Flint and across Genesee County, are reporting delays in receiving their state income tax refunds, with returns sitting in “pending review” status for weeks after being accepted. The Michigan Department of Treasury says a 45 percent surge in early filings and a major IT system upgrade have created a processing backlog, even as more than 1.6 million returns have already been submitted this year.

Treasury spokesperson Ron Leix confirmed the spike in filings compared to the same period in 2025 and said the delays are tied to the state’s shift from a legacy system to a modernized IT platform implemented late last year. While officials maintain most refunds should still be issued within the standard four to six week window, early filers with more complex returns or those claiming credits such as the Home Heating Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit are experiencing longer waits. The “pending review” label means the return is undergoing a manual review to verify accuracy and prevent fraud.

For many families, especially those counting on refunds to cover utilities, rent, or car payments, the delay is more than an inconvenience. The Treasury is advising taxpayers to check their status online through the state’s refund tracking system rather than calling, as high call volumes are contributing to further slowdowns.

Have you received your Michigan state tax refund yet, or are you still seeing “pending review” on your return?